How to select the best pillow cases

Pillow cases are an afterthought for many people despite being an essential element of any bedding ensemble. A good pillow case can do more than just protecting your pillow from dust, dirt, and premature tear, and ripping. It can also protect your face from acne and rashes caused by bacteria and provide a comfortable night’s sleep.

With so many pillow cases available on the market, choosing the right one can be challenging for many people. They are available in different materials, sizes, shapes, and colours. Not to worry. We’ve created this simple guide to help you find pillow cases that suit your comfort and styling needs.

What fabric should you choose for your pillow cases?

Like sheets, pillow cases come in different fabric types, both natural and synthetic. Your choice of fabric will determine the comfort and durability of your pillow case. For a comfortable night’s sleep, pillow cases made from high-quality natural materials are the best choice. Below, we look at the different fabrics to help you choose the best option.

Cotton

Cotton is the most popular fabric for pillow cases. Most luxurious pillow cases are made from this material. It has actually been regarded as one of the finest materials in the world, and there’s every reason to see why – it’s extremely soft, lightweight, strong, and breathable. Cotton pillow cases come in a wide range of colours and designs. If your selection is based on looks and style, then cotton is the best option for you. In addition, cotton is not an oil-based synthetic fabric, so you won’t deal with issues like overheating in the middle of the night. It can absorb a fifth of its weight in liquid water before it feels damp.

Satin

If you're looking for a pillow case material that will feel good on your skin and hair, then satin is the best choice. Satin pillow cases will not leave sleep lines on your face as other materials do. Unlike cotton, which absorbs moisture from your skin, satin balances moisture, resulting in a softer and more radiant complexion. In addition, satin pillowcases don't break hair lashes, making them a great choice for people who wear eyelash extensions as they won't come loose. Lastly, satin attracts less dust than cotton, making it a good option for people with asthma.

What pillow case size do you need?

Now that you know what material to choose, let’s look at sizes. There are different bed sizes, including twin, full, queen, king, and California. In most cases, your bed size will determine your mattress size, which ultimately influences the size of the sheet, duvet, pillow, and pillowcase you choose.

Standard pillowcases

A standard pillow case measures 51cm by 66cm and would perfectly fit a twin, full, and queen-size bed. In most cases, one sham pillow and one regular pillow are used on twin beds. Full and queen beds are large enough to fit a pair of each. Queen-size pillows are a bit longer, measuring 51cm by 91cm. However, standard pillow cases should fit queen pillows.

King pillowcases

King pillows measure 51cm by 91cm. They are 25cm longer than standard pillows, so they need longer pillowcases. As such, king pillowcases usually measure 52cm by 93cm. They can be used on the king and California king beds, with a pair of each comfortably fitting side by side on the bed.

Styling tips for pillowcases

Pillowcases are an easy way to give your bedroom a makeover. Below, we look at how you can style pillowcases to work well with your existing décor theme.

• Choose a deep shade of pillowcases to add contrast to your space

• Mix and match with fabrics of the same colour to add subtle dimension to your bedroom

• Go with one pillow to serve as a statement piece and draw attention to the bed

There are many ways to style a bed with pillow cases. Actually, there’s no right or wrong way of doing it. You can purchase bedding sets or separates and let your creativity run wild. Try different styling ideas to see what works for you. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to switch it up when it becomes boring.

Care advice for your pillowcase 

How you care for your pillowcase will determine how it feels on your skin and how long it lasts. Following the manufacturer’s instructions on washing your pillow case is important in ensuring comfort and longevity. Here are a few care tips to keep your pillowcase in good condition.

• Clean your pillow cases separately from pillows

• Machine wash your pillowcase at a 30-degree wash cycle

• If possible, air dry or use a tumbler dryer on medium temperature

• Iron on medium temperature

• Change your pillow cases at least once a week

• Shower before going to bed to remove hair products, makeup, sweat, etc.

Looking for the best pillow cases? Browse our extensive selection to find the best pillowcases for your home.